Cinemas NOS, Sensei, Shift4 address cinema experience painpoints with autonomous cabinets and pods

Sensei and Cinemas NOS are bringing autonomous shopping to the movie going experience.

In a LinkedIn post, Sensei said: “Going to the cinema should be pure enjoyment - immersing yourself in a great story, laughing out loud, or holding your breath during a suspenseful scene.”

“But let’s face it: waiting in line for snacks? Total mood killer; missing the opening scene for popcorn? Story ruined; walking in after the lights are down? Nobody enjoys the “walk of shame”; midnight session snack cravings? Forget it if the bar’s closed.”

Sensei has partnered with Cinemas NOS and Shift4 to address these painpoints. Hot and cold autonomous cabinets are placed near screening rooms, offering warm popcorn or an ice cold drink in seconds.

Meanwhile, an autonomous pod at the entrance provides expanded snack options like chocolates, chips, and candy. People can tap their card, grab their favourites, and head straight to their seats.

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Sensei was among the finalists at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended last month’s gathering.